I, too listened to their radio ads about how they can often relieve ENT problems with a simple in-office procedure. I have narrow nasal passages; it was previously diagnosed. I went there on a day off from work, almost a one hour drive from Chicago.
After paying my co-pay, I learned that I would be seeing a Physician Assistant (PA), not a physician. If I want to see a PS, I can go to an Urgent Clinic. For a specialty, I expect to see a MD or DO or DPM.
I explained the issue to the PA and it was as if I didn't speak at all. He wanted me to have a CT scan of my sinuses; I told him I did not have sinus issues. He wanted me to get tested for sleep apnea; I told him I did not have sleep issues. Then he wanted to do an endoscope of my nasal passages, a MANUAL endoscope. During the initial conversation, I told him that I didn't do well on the decongestant known as Afrin. He wanted to spray my nose with a lidocaine-Afrin mixture. OK, he must not listen... The entire process took less than ten (10) minutes, and he discovered that my right nasal passage was very narrow. Just like I told him.
To prepare for the CT, he prescribed a strong antibiotic for one month and fluticasone spray. I told him that I already used this spray daily and it was not good medical practice to prescribe antibiotics when there is no indication of infection. But, he is the professional. He said it was required by my health insurance provider (true, I checked).
I did not schedule the CT; the antibiotic vial sits unused in my bathroom. Eventually, I will dispose of it in accordance with govt. recommendations.
Today, I received notification of my bill. Six hundred twenty five dollars ($625.00) for the endoscope! I will pay it, but not until I receive a complete, unredacted copy of the record for this visit.
BTW, I have a certificate in Medical Technology, a degree in Chemistry, and have spent the last 45 years in various aspects of human health care. read more
